Circle of Gaspar van Wittel, called Vanvitelli

The following condition report has been provided by Simon Parkes of Simon Parkes Art Conservation, Inc. 502 East 74th St. New York, NY 212-734-3920, simonparkes@msn.com , an independent restorer who is not an employee of Sotheby's. This unusual view is in lovely and presentable condition. The canvas has an old lining. The paint layer is stable and although the reverse of the canvas has not been attended to for many years, the paint layer has been recently cleaned and restored. The condition of the paint layer is extremely good, if anything it is under-cleaned. There are very few retouches in the sky; in the upper right, in the upper center and in the upper left there are restorations but in the lower part of the sky the only area is to the right of the Campanile. In the landscape and architecture it is very hard to positively identify any real significant restorations and although there may be a few spots here and there, the condition is remarkably good.
"This lot is offered for sale subject to Sotheby's Conditions of Business, which are available on request and printed in Sotheby's sale catalogues. The independent reports contained in this document are provided for prospective bidders' information only and without warranty by Sotheby's or the Seller."